The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of landscapes and habitats, and a responsible approach to natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 500 people, of whom 140 work at SLF in Davos.

The Research Unit ‘Snow Avalanches and Prevention’ investigates the formation and dynamics of avalanches, develops warning systems for Alpine natural hazards, and issues the Swiss avalanche bulletin. Its research group “Avalanche Formation” is looking for

2 PostDocs “Numerical avalanche hazard prediction"

Within a 2-year project supported by the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) you develop a decision support tool that provides automated predictions of avalanche hazard. In collaboration with scientists from SDSC you will first explore massive, yet diverse in space and time, snow and weather data sets to determine the best approach for the multi-fold classification problem. This should allow describing the main avalanche problems and their severity. Then you will develop prediction models and validate those with a focus on operational applicability as supporting tools for avalanche forecasting.

The research will be split between the two PostDocs and the SDSC scientists according to the tasks and competence. Moreover, you collaborate with others researchers and the forecasting team at SLF.

You hold a university degree in either Snow and Avalanche Science and have experience in numerical modeling or in Data Science and have a strong background in machine learning methods. You have good oral and written communication skills, in particular in English. Furthermore, you are well organized, operate independently, and in a structured and efficient way. You like to work in a team, and are keen to transfer your research into practice.

Please send your complete application to Jasmine Zimmermann, Human Resources WSL/SLF. Alec van Herwijnen, phone +41 (0)81 417 01 61, or Jürg Schweizer, phone +41 (0)81 417 01 64, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.